Big Branch Trail

Overview

This is a short-but-mighty loop that packs in a lot: waterfalls, spring wildflowers, a peek into homestead history, and a ridge walk with filtered views. Plan on 2.0 miles total (loop) and about 1–2 hours. The park rates it strenuous, but most hikers experience it as moderate with a few steep, slick pitches and multiple creek crossings.

Why hike it

Big Branch tumbles beside you for much of the route, with a nearly 30‑foot waterfall and another around 15 feet when flows are healthy. In early spring, the forest floor lights up with trout lilies, spring beauties, toothwort, and bloodroot. You’ll also pass the ruins of an old farmstead in the hollow—an evocative window into life here in the early 1900s.

Trail notes (clockwise)

Start at Brooks Falls parking on River Road, cross the road to the signed trailhead, and go right at the early fork to hike clockwise. You’ll reach Big Branch quickly and begin a steady climb beside cascades, with several rock‑hop crossings. Around 0.7 miles in (clockwise), you’ll reach the tallest falls; a smaller falls follows shortly after. Cross the creek one last time, then climb an old road to the ridge (you’ll pass beneath power lines). The ridge segment descends steeply with intermittent views toward the New River and Brooks Falls—best in winter when leaves are down—closing the loop back to your starting fork.

Best time to hike

Spring is prime: wildflowers are blooming and the waterfalls are strongest, especially after recent rain. Summer can be buggy and the falls can run low in dry spells. Fall colors are lovely. Winter offers clearer views through the trees and fewer people, but expect icy, slick footing after freeze‑thaw cycles. Start early or on weekdays for more solitude.

Access and parking

Park at Brooks Falls Overlook on River Road (WV 26), roughly five miles north of Hinton. River Road narrows to one lane in places—drive slowly and yield around blind curves. A vault toilet is available at the overlook; the trailhead is across the road.

Gear and tips

Expect wet, slick rocks at stream crossings and muddy sections after rain—waterproof boots and trekking poles help. Bring bug spray (mosquitoes and ticks can be active) and watch for poison ivy along narrow corridor sections. Keep dogs leashed. Don’t climb on or behind the waterfalls—rock is slick even when dry.

A little context

The New River is among the world’s older river systems. Its erosive power carved this gorge and exposed thousands of feet of layered sandstones, shales, and coal. The hollow you pass—known locally as “Berry Holler”—still shows barn logs, foundation stones, and a root cellar from the Berry family homestead, and the path you’re walking once served as a wagon road between farmsteads and a schoolhouse.